Case report: A case of diabetes mellitus and pneumonitis induced by envafolimab treatment in small cell lung cancer

Yanyan LiHongke WangGuochen XingXiaodan GuoShanyong Yi^*

• Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China

In this paper, we report a case of sequential immune-related adverse events induced by envafolimab in a patient with small cell lung cancer (SCLC), including immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated diabetes mellitus (ICI-DM), diabetic ketosis (DK), and pneumonitis (CIP). A 63-year-old male with limited-stage SCLC received 4 cycles of etoposide plus carboplatin chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy, concurrent with maintenance immunotherapy using envafolimab. Eight months after initiating immunotherapy, the patient developed symptoms of dry mouth and excessive thirst. The clinical presentation was consistent with ICI-DM, though all diabetes-associated autoantibodies were negative. After achieving glycemic control with insulin, envafolimab was resumed. At 15 months, metastasis to the left submandibular region was identified and managed with localized iodine-125 seed implantation; envafolimab monotherapy was continued as maintenance treatment. Nineteen months after initiation of immunotherapy, the patient presented with chest tightness, shortness of breath, and dyspnea. Further diagnostic evaluation confirmed CIP, which improved following glucocorticoid therapy. Envafolimab was consequently suspended, and topotecan therapy was initiated for one month, but was ultimately discontinued due to financial constraints. Six months after discontinuing topotecan, the patient was readmitted due to a progressively enlarging left submandibular metastases. Laboratory findings upon admission revealed DK, which had occurred due to self-discontinuation of insulin and a switch to oral hypoglycemic agents one week ago. During hospitalization, recurrent syncope of unknown origin occurred. After clinical improvement with supportive care, anti-tumor therapy with anlotinib was initiated. Following envafolimab immunotherapy, the patient sequentially developed ICI-DM, DK and CIP. With prompt intervention, severe complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, and respiratory failure were successfully avoided. This case underscores the importance of early recognition and management of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). The occurrence of DK after self-discontinuation of insulin highlights the necessity for long-term insulin therapy in ICI-DM. The patient remains alive with an overall survival exceeding 27 months, suggesting that ICI-DM may represent a potential prognostic biomarker for favorable outcomes in patients receiving immunotherapy.